[uucdigest] Thursday, March 23 2000 Volume 03 : Number 494 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | For all available Digest commands including unsubscribe/subscribe, | visit the BMW UUC Digest page: http://www.uucdigest.com | Send SUBMISSIONS to [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Complaints? Send 'em to [EMAIL PROTECTED] if you must. | Visit http://www.bubbaclub.com | www.bimmers.com - "serving enthusiasts on the 'net" | Visit http://www.bimmer.org - ultimate BMW bulletin boards! | Subscribe to the Zionsville Autosport Parts Digest: | http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/majordomo.htm ����������������������������������������� In this BMW UUC Digest: Re: [uuc] Re: Boston area dyno day / get together update [uuc] E36 oil pan plug stripped Re: [uuc] Re: BMW/Honda [uuc] K and Ka Band Re: [uuc] E36 oil pan plug stripped Re: [uuc] Re: BMW/Honda [uuc] Brake job tool Re: [uuc] FW: Input on Potential Mods to '96 328i [uuc] RE: Carfax Access [uuc] UUC incompetence [uuc] RE: Input on Potential Mods to '96 328i [uuc] AM Reception Terrible [uuc] E39 M5-Comments from Europe [uuc] <misc.> Laser or Radar? Black cars exempt? [uuc] RE: Eric's NSX' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 12:58:45 -0500 (EST) From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (John Hart) Subject: Re: [uuc] Re: Boston area dyno day / get together update Somewhat unrelated to anything other than wax/cleaner mixes that might be on sale in the Boston area...my black 328ic's hood has lost its luster, that is some parts look like a black haze and unidimensional in depth, while hairlines appear even if I use a terry or diaper style cotton cloth...I tried Dupont polishing compound (thinking this cloudiness was oxidation, or excessive waxing-I've done McGwuire's twice in 2 months), and this restored the uniformity but not the depth, and waxing over this only regrooved the hairline scratches and final detailing brought even more scratches in the course of swirls...using McGwire's Cleaner/Wax. Short of a wet sanding, what can I do to at least make the black look less scratchy and cloudy, even if I have waxed too much to get the depth back (black NEVER came off on my towels, thank god)? Name brand alliances are ok, but I've got to be able to get it soon!\ John Hart ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 12:36:01 -0600 From: Dennis Meredith <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] E36 oil pan plug stripped Does anyone know of a way to fix the stripped threads in the oil drain plug of an E36, aside from putting on a new oil pan? I'm sure everyone already knows this but the oil pan is cast aluminum alloy of some sort and I am not sure if you can re-thread it. Has anyone done this before? Thanks for your help, Dennis ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 13:35:19 -0500 From: "Dorffer, Rich" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] Re: BMW/Honda Well said! - ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 10:26:15 -0500 From: "Eric B. Kerub" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] Re: BMW/Honda Joe wrote: >Why is it no one complains when a $80K 911 goes through tires in 5K miles >but when a $80K NSX does it, they whine? >Those of us who can afford BMW's and Mercedes new still don't want to pay a >fortune for maintenance and repairs. We have the Japanese to thank for >waking the Germans up to that fact. Well said Joe! I must say I'm quite surprised at this list. I've been a "silent" member on this list for some time now, and I just can't help but share my opinion on SOME of the members here. I think the narrow minded, tunnel visioning, uneducated, "BMW is no.1 and everything else is crap" philosophy some of you take is striking! I'm also a member on the NSX list and this topic is/was also in discussion. Being the owner of both makes, I CAN share unbiased opinions on the cars (like Joe), and I happen to LOVE both makes. You should have read some of the NSX threads on this topic. People there don't jump all over BMW, defending their precious little NSX's and God forbid anything else in this world might have some value! I mean....statements like the NSX is "No BMW equivalent" just goes to show how retarded some people can be. This guy has OBVIOUSLY never driven one... and if he has, needs major help. What is it with some of you? It's almost like you have been brainwashed. If anyone dares make a comparison between BMW and xxxx it's almost like a defense mechanism takes over reducing your unbiased judgment to nil and your IQ to sub 3 digits while uttering the most ridiculous statements to try to make a point. To me...the best 2 auto makers, for VERY different reasons are BMW and Honda. But you'll never see me call Mercedes, Nissan, Lexus, Ferrari etc. inferior. Next time, try explaining *why* you chose BMW, and what makes you happy about owning a BMW, and stop concentrating on picking out so-called defects on other cars. Eric B. Kerub - ------------------------------ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 08:55:25 -0800 From: "Kevin Kelly" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] K and Ka Band Randy Walters wrote: >I haven't encounted X-band police radar anywhere >in Southern California for at least 12 years now, not >a single hit. And since the vast majority of door-openers >are X-band and are always false alarms, i've disabled >X-band from my V1's software and it now stays quiet >as a mouse. My one and only real X-Band hit in the past 15 years was by a local cop driving through a small town in the Sierras. I didn't know that you can disable X-band on the V1 since it goes off at every grocery store (I seem to remember a few X band hits 20 years ago with my old dash mounted Escort). >The CHP uses mostly Ka-band on the freeway, >but mostly K-band in the local canyon and mountain roads. Will my 15 year old metal case Passport pick up Ka band at all? The Passport was retired to the Range Rover (that does not speed much due to the underpowered 241 cubic inch V8). I have been getting a lot more CHP K band hits in the past year (on my drive across Nevada in the M5 last summer all my hits from Nevada Highway Patrol were K band). If I'm missing a lot of Ka hits it might be time to give Mike Valentine a call for a second V-1 (and to ask how to turn off X band alerts). Kevin Kelly BMW CCA 50039 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 13:42:51 -0600 From: "Jason Lile" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] E36 oil pan plug stripped > Does anyone know of a way to fix the stripped threads in the oil drain > plug of an E36, aside from putting on a new oil pan? I'm sure everyone > already knows this but the oil pan is cast aluminum alloy of some sort > and I am not sure if you can re-thread it. Has anyone done this before? Re-thread the whole and use a larger threaded bolt... Next time, you can use a copper washer... they will compress allowing you a little more leeway in your tightening force... you can also reuse them and they do not crush like aluminum washers. Also, if you're going to be doing much service work yourself, I'd recommend getting a good book with torque specs and a torque wrench to go along with it ;) - ----------------------------------- Jason Lile Zionsville Autosport "BMW Parts Specialists" 1-800-BIMMERS http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com Administrator - BMW Parts Digest - ----------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 13:42:02 -0500 From: "Rob Levinson - UUC Motorwerks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] Re: BMW/Honda - ----- Original Message ----- From: Eric B. Kerub <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > I mean....statements like the NSX is "No BMW equivalent" just goes to show > how retarded some people can be. This guy has OBVIOUSLY never driven one... > and if he has, needs major help. That was me, "the retard". Look at my post again - I thought it would be apparent, with the comparisons I was making, that I could *not* make a direct NSX comparison because BMW does not have an equivalent model. There is "no BMW equivalent", get it? Let me know if I need to supply sentence structure diagrams in the future. > What is it with some of you? It's almost > like you have been brainwashed. If anyone dares make a comparison between > BMW and xxxx it's almost like a defense mechanism takes over reducing your > unbiased judgement to nil and your IQ to sub 3 digits while uttering the > most ridiculous statements to try to make a point. > To me...the best 2 auto makers, for VERY different reasons are BMW and > Honda. But you'll never see me call Mercedes, Nissan, Lexus, Ferrari etc. > inferior. Next time, try explaining *why* you chose BMW, and what makes you > happy about owning a BMW, and stop concentrating on picking out so-called > defects on other cars. <ahem> Most of us (and particularly me) have had quite a bit of experience with other brands of cars and can appreciate those cars. It may even be safe to say that my experience is a bit broader than the average person and I have owned a little bit of every kind of car. And that is the specific reason why I have settled on BMW as my favorite marque... it has the right mix (for me) of performance, character, luxury, solidity, and upgrade potential. I like many features of other brands, and some have outstanding models that may even be better choices than the BMW equivalent... but overall, BMWs suit my tastes and needs better. From an enthusiast's standpoint I can make fairly objective comments regarding other brands, there's no "brainwashing" going on. I'll give you a tick by tick breakdown of comparable models to a specific BMW and the sum total impression will generally lead to BMW - once again, for my tastes. - - Rob ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 09:38:27 -0800 (PST) From: Joe Tan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] Brake job tool Hi Folks, What is a better tool to bleed the brake fluid? A presssurized bleeder or one of those one way valve built in the bleeding nipple? Joe Tan. '93 325i __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 11:17:01 -0600 From: Luis Marques <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [uuc] FW: Input on Potential Mods to '96 328i It would REALLY help if you told us how you intend to 'enjoy' these upgrades. I mean, are you taking the car to a track, or just commuting to/from work and driving to the grocery store? In other words, what are your goals? - -Luis Marques '97 328i "Michael Ellman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Listers, > As the tax man has been kind enough to give me some of my money back, > I now have a couple of bucks to improve my car. So, I have a fixed > budget which needs to include the labor necessary to accomplish these > upgrades. > > I'm leaning toward upgrading the brakes to floating rotors and > replacing the pads as well. Also to redo springs, shocks, and sway > bars. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 13:56:10 -0500 From: "Heckendorf, David" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] RE: Carfax Access I just wanted to thank the not one, not two, not three, but FOUR (actually, the fourth pointed out a website, http://www.carfax.com/kusa, that lets your run them for free!) people that offered to run a VIN through carfax for me!!! It is support such at this that makes these forums so great! Thx, Dave ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 14:11:37 -0500 (EST) From: Michael Fennell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] UUC incompetence I'll never make it as a full-fledged member of the UUC. Laina has been working long hours lately, so I thought it safe to order a few things (oil cooler, trans cooler, cat-back exhaust) for my tow vehicle and have them shipped home. No problem, I *always* beat Laina home. Except yesterday. I ordered everything on Monday. I thought Summit Racing was in CA. They're in Ohio. 2 days UPS away... <g> Mike Fennell PS: Is it heresy to confess that I have far more fun tinkering with the "Extra Long" ('89 GMC 2500 extended cab long bed) and its small block chevy than I ever did with my E36M3? It's about as complicated as a hammer. Not too many more moving parts, either. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 12:01:55 -0500 From: "Fadeev, Alex" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] RE: Input on Potential Mods to '96 328i "Michael Ellman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> asks" > > Listers, > As the tax man has been kind enough to give me some of my > money back, I now have a couple of bucks to improve my car. > So, I have a fixed budget which needs to include the labor > necessary to accomplish these upgrades. > > I'm leaning toward upgrading the brakes to floating rotors > and replacing the pads as well. Also to redo springs, shocks, > and sway bars. > > My questions are: > Is this the best bang for the buck given my budget? No. > Other suggestions to stretch the budget? Yes. Fix the driver first: do the driving schools. The come back do them again. > Merits of Eibach Pro-Kit vs. H&R springs? IMHO, not for daily driving, although other will probably disagree. > Any other comments or suggestions? Driving schools, driving schools, driving schools. Then, and only then, when you YOURSELF can tell what parts of your car need improvement will you want to spend any money on the parts. > By the way, the car is completely stock, has the sport > package, with 65,000 miles. > > Thanks, > Mike Ellman > '96 328i > Now in Vermont ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 13:28:42 -0600 From: "Celisa" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] AM Reception Terrible My car is still under warranty, and I wanted to know what can be done if anything about this reception, and hearing my signals though this AM radio channels. So far, I haven't gotten the response I'm looking for, so I thought I would post again. Am I in need of another radio. If so, I need to get it before the warranty goes out. Thanks for a response. this is for a 99 328is Coupe. Best Regards, Celisa ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 12:02:05 -0500 From: "Steve D'Gerolamo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] E39 M5-Comments from Europe The new E39 M5 is a wonderful car but some of the folks in Europe are experiencing problems. With the slower speed limits here in the US, we should expect the cars to hold up a bit better. Break-in speeds are posted on a windshield sticker...speeds should be kept under 5500rpm (170km) for the first 2000km and no full throttle (speeds kept under 200km) for the first 5000km. I suspect these guidelines are very important as many in Europe are experiencing excessive oil consumption....I'll bet its difficult to exercise restraint with 400hp and no speed limits. One person called yesterday complaining of using a quart of oil every 400 miles. Perhaps BMW is using a light break-in oil on these motors. Another problem seems to be excessive runout in the front hub/bearing assemblies. Mov'it has measured .04-.06mm (.0015-.0025") runout in the hubs on many E39 cars....this extrapolates to .10-.16mm runout at the outer edge of the rotors. Any person considering upgrading their brakes to a fixed piston kit (Mov'it, Brembo, Alcon, etc) should check the runout of their front hubs before buying the kit and see if BMW will replace these assemblies under warranty if they are not true. One last comment....if you're considering changing your brake lines on an E39 car, the junction of the front lines (rubber hose to steel tubing) is in a tight spot behind the strut. Make sure you've got the right tools before starting this project. SD ========================================= Steve D'Gerolamo - The Ultimate Garage 201-262-0412 / [EMAIL PROTECTED] / http://www.ultimategarage.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 14:26:57 -0500 From: David Taylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] <misc.> Laser or Radar? Black cars exempt? Rob, You wrote: How very annoying... damn, why didn't I buy another black car so this laser BS would be a non-issue? Are black cars harder to detect? Are they stealth? Is it that black absorbs all and white reflects the most? That may be the only benefit from owning a black car. Tell me more! David ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 14:53:40 -0500 From: "George, Zachariah (CICG Development)" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [uuc] RE: Eric's NSX' That's what I was thinking. "Two NSX's". Eric liked it nice enough to go out and buy another one.. In all fairness, the NSX is one of the finest sports cars produced. I always tell my wife, if I ever bought an "Acura", that would be it. Zach '94 325i w/sport package 5-spd. Sharked. '95 Acura Integra LS (wifes ride) '90 GS500E > > ------------------------------ > > Date: Thu, 23 Mar 2000 09:46:46 -0800 > From: "Jerry Chyo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: [uuc] RE: [uucdigest] V3 #492 > > Eric's sig line stated: > > > eric "at" e-scape "dot" net > > 1997 NSX > > 1993 NSX > > 1999 BMW 740i (Sport Package) > > 1988 BMW ///M3 > > You have tow NSX's? Can I have one? I promise not to > complain about 5k > rear tires. I'll even pay for your's when they need replacing. > > FWIW, I'd love to have an NSX. It's a Honda with Character. > > ------------------------------ End of [uucdigest] V3 #494 ************************** _________________________________________ | Please visit these UUC-approved BMW parts vendors/service providers: | (listed alphabetically) | Bonneville Motorwerks . http://www.bonnevillemotorwerks.com | Circle Tire Co. (used & classic BMW parts) e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Curry's Auto Service . http://www.currysauto.com | Eurosport . http://www.eurosport-hp.com | Koala MotorSport . http://www.koalamotorsport.com | Taylor BMW - http://www.taylorbmw.com - Doc Bimmer! | The Ultimate Garage . http://www.ultimategarage.com | UUC Motorwerks . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com | Zionsville Autosport . http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com ����������������������������������������
